A welcome step towards a Human Rights Act for South Australia
The Human Rights Law Centre welcomed the launch of an inquiry by the South Australian Parliament into whether the state should join Victoria, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory by enacting a Human Rights Act or Charter.
The announcement was made on Human Rights Day which this year marked the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly. Despite Australia playing a leading international role in 1948 to protect human rights, our laws still lag behind those legal standards.
Earlier this year, SA Parliament rushed through reactive legislation which undermined people’s right to protest. A Human Rights Act or Charter would ensure the South Australian Parliament must consider the human rights implications of its laws and policies, and people have a powerful tool to challenge injustice and prevent human rights violations.
Caitlin Reiger, CEO, Human Rights Law Centre said:
“Everyone benefits from having human rights at the heart of their laws. It is great news that South Australia’s Parliament recognises the importance of enforceable human rights standards and is exploring a Human Rights Act.”
“South Australian civil society organisations have been calling for a Human Rights Act for some time. They know from the experience of Victoria, Queensland and the ACT that enforceable human rights standards help everyone across society. A Human Rights Act or Charter would prevent people being evicted unjustly from public housing, ensure everyone can access medical treatment, and ensure children can go to public schools regardless of their bank balance.”
“We look forward to participating in this inquiry, and supporting South Australians’ to create a Human Rights Act so that there are better government decisions, and people can take effective action when their rights are being breached.”
Media Contacts:
Thomas Feng
Human Rights Law Centre
0431 285 275
thomas.feng@hrlc.org.au